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2008 Audi R8 Full Review
Date Published: 5/02/08
Also in the 2008 Audi R8 Review:
2008 Audi R8 Review
The 2008 Audi R8 takes Volkswagen's premium brand into the rarefied world of high-performance sports cars. Based loosely on the Gallardo from Audi-owned Lamborghini, the R8 bows as a two-seat coupe with all-wheel-drive and a 420-horsepower V8 mounted behind the cockpit. Two transmissions are offered: a six-speed manual or Audi's R-tronic automated manual, which can be shifted manually by a console lever or steering-wheel-mounted paddles. Standard features include heated leather/Alcantara sport seats, a nine-speaker audio system with satellite radio, and seat-mounted side airbags providing both head and torso protection. Curtain side airbags are not offered. Audi's ESP traction/stability system is standard, as are "magnetic ride" shock absorbers that automatically vary firmness to suit driving conditions. An optional Convenience Package includes a parking-assist system with rearview camera, six-disc CD changer, and auto-dimming exterior rear view mirrors. Other options include a navigation system, leather seats, full-leather interior trim, and 12-speaker, 465-watt Bang & Olufson audio. Sources expect Audi to add a convertible R8 by model-year 2010, as well as V10 and diesel 12-cylinder engine options.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
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2008 Audi R8 Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Audi claims 0-60 mph in 4.4 sec with either transmission, and our manual test car felt at least that fast. The torquey V8 delivers forceful but drama-free takeoffs--aided by the all-wheel drive and traction control--plus ample highway passing punch. And it will loaf happily at town speeds without frequent shifting. We've not yet sampled the automated-manual transmission.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 10 | 8.3 |
Audi claims 0-60 mph in 4.4 sec with either transmission, and our manual test car felt at least that fast. The torquey V8 delivers forceful but drama-free takeoffs--aided by the all-wheel drive and traction control--plus ample highway passing punch. And it will loaf happily at town speeds without frequent shifting. We've not yet sampled the automated-manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Poor even for a "supercar." Frequent use of the V8's explosive power netted a dismal 10.6 mpg in mixed driving. By contrast, a test Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which costs far less than the R8 and is quicker too, averaged around 15 mpg. Audi recommends premium fuel.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 1 | 4 |
Poor even for a "supercar." Frequent use of the V8's explosive power netted a dismal 10.6 mpg in mixed driving. By contrast, a test Chevrolet Corvette Z06, which costs far less than the R8 and is quicker too, averaged around 15 mpg. Audi recommends premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Surprisingly comfortable despite an obviously firm suspension, 19-inch wheels and wide, low-profile tires. Still, the R8 gets restless on patchy pavement and can jolt over potholes and sharp bumps, though we've endured worse. At least the test car showed no structural shudder or rattles.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 5 | 4.4 |
Surprisingly comfortable despite an obviously firm suspension, 19-inch wheels and wide, low-profile tires. Still, the R8 gets restless on patchy pavement and can jolt over potholes and sharp bumps, though we've endured worse. At least the test car showed no structural shudder or rattles.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Prodigious dry-road grip and virtually no body lean make cornering racer-sharp. Quick, crisp steering with just-right weighting combines with ample engine power to allow precise path adjustments. However, wide tires tend to follow road grooves, and fast mid-corner bumps can cause a unwanted sidestep despite the stability control (which can be switched off). Powerful antilock disc brakes erase speed quickly via firm, progressive pedal action.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 10 | 8.8 |
Prodigious dry-road grip and virtually no body lean make cornering racer-sharp. Quick, crisp steering with just-right weighting combines with ample engine power to allow precise path adjustments. However, wide tires tend to follow road grooves, and fast mid-corner bumps can cause a unwanted sidestep despite the stability control (which can be switched off). Powerful antilock disc brakes erase speed quickly via firm, progressive pedal action.
Quietness
A double bulkhead helps isolate the cabin from the engine just behind, but the V8 is always noticed. Ditto coarse-pavement roar from the fat tires. Still, the R8 is no noisier overall than some big-power sports sedans, so there's seldom a need to raise voices or turn up the stereo. And the V8 sounds wonderful, a mix of Formula 1 and NASCAR.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.2 |
A double bulkhead helps isolate the cabin from the engine just behind, but the V8 is always noticed. Ditto coarse-pavement roar from the fat tires. Still, the R8 is no noisier overall than some big-power sports sedans, so there's seldom a need to raise voices or turn up the stereo. And the V8 sounds wonderful, a mix of Formula 1 and NASCAR.
Controls
Dashboard design mimics that of other Audis with large, clear gauges and most all controls within easy reach. Some switch icons aren't obvious, though, and the moving shift lever forward partly obstructs the low-set trio of climate-control dials. Audi's Multi-Media Interface operates the optional navigation system, which absorbs most audio functions. MMI complicates many adjustments, but proves reasonably convenient after a little practice. The dashboard screen is large, but prone to daytime wash-out.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.6 |
Dashboard design mimics that of other Audis with large, clear gauges and most all controls within easy reach. Some switch icons aren't obvious, though, and the moving shift lever forward partly obstructs the low-set trio of climate-control dials. Audi's Multi-Media Interface operates the optional navigation system, which absorbs most audio functions. MMI complicates many adjustments, but proves reasonably convenient after a little practice. The dashboard screen is large, but prone to daytime wash-out.
Details
Superb workmanship is expected for $100,000-plus, and the R8 doesn't disappoint. The interior uses high-quality plastics and fabrics applied with obvious care, plus real-aluminum accents on the dashboard, console, steering wheel and foot pedals. Leather seats are available, but test car's optional "extended leather" package also covers the dashtop, door panels and other surfaces. CD changer mounts above the center floor tunnel just behind the seats, so it's awkward to access.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 10 | 7.1 |
Superb workmanship is expected for $100,000-plus, and the R8 doesn't disappoint. The interior uses high-quality plastics and fabrics applied with obvious care, plus real-aluminum accents on the dashboard, console, steering wheel and foot pedals. Leather seats are available, but test car's optional "extended leather" package also covers the dashtop, door panels and other surfaces. CD changer mounts above the center floor tunnel just behind the seats, so it's awkward to access.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
A low stance and long doors strain entry/exit, but the cabin offer six-footer headroom and legroom. Firm, supportive seats have prominent side bolsters that hold occupants secure in fast direction changes, but may be a bit snug for those broader of beam. Visibility to the front and sides is fine, but restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by the wide "flying buttress" rear-roof pillars and narrow rear-window opening.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.8 |
A low stance and long doors strain entry/exit, but the cabin offer six-footer headroom and legroom. Firm, supportive seats have prominent side bolsters that hold occupants secure in fast direction changes, but may be a bit snug for those broader of beam. Visibility to the front and sides is fine, but restricted aft and over-the-shoulder by the wide "flying buttress" rear-roof pillars and narrow rear-window opening.
Room/Comfort (rear)
No back seat.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 0 | .6 |
No back seat.
Cargo Room
The midengine layout relegates the R8 trunk to a paltry 3.5-cubic-foot box in the nose, so travel light or plan on short trips. A slim shelf behind the seats can stow a couple of jackets or small bags, but little else. The only other interior storage involves a small dashboard glovebox and short-sided door pockets.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 1 | 2.5 |
The midengine layout relegates the R8 trunk to a paltry 3.5-cubic-foot box in the nose, so travel light or plan on short trips. A slim shelf behind the seats can stow a couple of jackets or small bags, but little else. The only other interior storage involves a small dashboard glovebox and short-sided door pockets.
Value within Class
The R8 offers head-turning style, pulse-quickening performance and superb build quality, yet is quiet and comfortable enough for daily commuting. It's as thirsty as any high-power car, and aluminum-intensive construction makes it more costly than some rivals with equal or better speed and handling. Still, most buyers in the R8's price class can afford a more-practical second or third car, and low production--some 800 per year for the U.S.--insures the exclusivity such people expect. Overall, the 2008 Audi R8 is an impressive supercar achievement and a great drive.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 7 | 5.3 |
The R8 offers head-turning style, pulse-quickening performance and superb build quality, yet is quiet and comfortable enough for daily commuting. It's as thirsty as any high-power car, and aluminum-intensive construction makes it more costly than some rivals with equal or better speed and handling. Still, most buyers in the R8's price class can afford a more-practical second or third car, and low production--some 800 per year for the U.S.--insures the exclusivity such people expect. Overall, the 2008 Audi R8 is an impressive supercar achievement and a great drive.
Total Score
| Unknown | Class Average |
| 63 | 56.6 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 40 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 64 |
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2008 Audi R8 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/08/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door coupe, manual | $109,000 | $101,370 | $1,000 |
|
|
|||
| Base 2-door coupe, automatic | $118,000 | $109,740 | $1,000 |
Price note: Requires Convenience Pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
4.2-liter V8 engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, all-wheel drive, traction control, dual front airbags.
Safety
Side airbags, knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather/alcantara upholstery, heated 10-way power seats, center console, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, satellite radio, tachometer, trip computer, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, bi-xenon headlights, computer-adjustable suspension, 235/35R19 front tires, 295/30R19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Convenience Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$3,500
|
$3,255
|
|
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, hill-hold assist, rearview camera, in-dash 6-disc CD changer, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night outside mirrors, cargo nets.
|
||
|
Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,000
|
$1,860
|
|
Additional leather upholstery.
|
||
|
Enhanced Leather Pkg.
|
||
|
Base
|
$5,500
|
$5,115
|
|
Leather Pkg. plus leather dashboard.
|
||
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Base
|
$2,000
|
$1,860
|
|
Bang and Olufsen sound system
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,800
|
$1,674
|
|
Alcantara headliner
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,300
|
$1,209
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Color-keyed exterior trim
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,000
|
$930
|
|
Special paint
|
||
|
Base
|
$650
|
$605
|
|
|
||
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2008 Audi R8 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Audi R8 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 174.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 75.0 |
| Overall Height, in. | 49.3 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3605 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 3.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | -- |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 4.2 /254 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 420 @ 7800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 317 @ 4500 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| 6-speed manual | 13/20 |
| 6-speed automated manual | 13/18 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Audi R8 2-door coupe |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 Audi R8 Review:
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